What is the Bad Ending in Streets of Rage?

Streets of Rage is a classic beat ’em up game that was released in the late 80s. The game follows the story of a police officer named Adam who is trying to clean up the streets of a crime-ridden city. The game is known for its fast-paced action and intense boss battles. However, there is also a bad ending that players can encounter if they make certain choices throughout the game. In this article, we will explore what the bad ending is and how to avoid it. So, grab your fight stick and get ready to take on the streets of Rage once again!

Understanding the Different Endings in Streets of Rage

Good Ending

In the classic Sega beat ’em up game Streets of Rage, the good ending is achieved by defeating the game’s main antagonist, Mr. X, and saving the city from his evil clutches. This involves navigating through the game’s various levels, battling hordes of enemies and bosses, and collecting power-ups and weapons to enhance your character’s abilities.

The good ending is also achieved by successfully completing the game with a high score. This involves playing the game multiple times and experimenting with different strategies to rack up as many points as possible. Points are awarded for defeating enemies, breaking objects, and completing levels quickly.

Players who achieve the good ending are rewarded with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, as well as the knowledge that they have saved the city from destruction. Additionally, the good ending provides a sense of closure to the game’s story, allowing players to see the fruits of their labor and the impact of their actions on the game’s world.

Bad Ending

The Bad Ending in Streets of Rage occurs when the player fails to defeat Mr. X, the game’s main antagonist, and ultimately fails to save the city from his grasp. This results in a low score and the player being unable to unlock the Good Ending.

There are several ways a player can end up with the Bad Ending in Streets of Rage. One of the most common reasons is simply failing to defeat Mr. X in the final boss battle. This can happen if the player is not well-prepared for the fight, or if they make too many mistakes during the battle.

Another way to get the Bad Ending is by having a low score throughout the game. Streets of Rage keeps track of the player’s performance throughout the game, and a low score indicates that the player has not been doing well. This can be due to taking too much damage, not collecting enough items, or simply not playing as efficiently as possible.

Additionally, if the player does not complete certain tasks or quests throughout the game, they may also end up with the Bad Ending. For example, if the player fails to rescue a certain character or find a specific item, it can lead to a dead end or a situation where the player cannot progress any further.

Overall, the Bad Ending in Streets of Rage is a result of poor performance, failure to complete certain tasks, or simply not being prepared for the final boss battle. It’s important for players to be aware of these potential pitfalls and strive to avoid them in order to achieve the Good Ending and the best possible outcome in the game.

Neutral Ending

If the player manages to complete the game without defeating Mr. X, but also without losing, they will receive a neutral ending. This means that the player’s score will be average, and neither the good nor the bad ending will be unlocked. In this case, the credits will simply roll, and the game will end without any additional bonus content.

While the neutral ending may not be as exciting as the other two possibilities, it is still a valid outcome for players who want to experience the full story of Streets of Rage without aiming for a specific conclusion. It is worth noting, however, that some players may find the neutral ending to be a bit anti-climactic, as it does not provide any extra reward or recognition for completing the game. Nonetheless, the neutral ending is still a satisfying way to finish the game for those who are not interested in pursuing a perfect score or trying to unlock the secret ending.

The Consequences of Choosing the Bad Ending

Losing the Battle Against Mr. X

In the bad ending of Streets of Rage, the player loses the battle against Mr. X, leading to dire consequences for the city and the player’s reputation. Here are some of the details of this outcome:

• Mr. X continues to terrorize the city:
  • Despite the player’s best efforts, Mr. X manages to escape and continues his reign of terror in the city.
  • He becomes even more powerful and dangerous, and his criminal activities expand to new areas, causing even more chaos and destruction.
  • The city’s residents suffer even more, as they are subjected to Mr. X’s cruelty and violence.
• The player’s reputation suffers:
  • As the player fails to stop Mr. X, their reputation in the city takes a hit.
  • People begin to see the player as weak and ineffective, and they may even be targeted by Mr. X’s gang as a result.
  • The player’s credibility as a fighter and protector of the city is diminished, making it harder for them to make a positive impact in the future.

Overall, losing the battle against Mr. X has serious consequences for both the city and the player. It highlights the importance of taking on this dangerous enemy and the devastating effects of failing to do so.

Affecting the Story’s Outcome

Choosing the bad ending in Streets of Rage will have a significant impact on the story’s outcome. The consequences of this decision will be felt throughout the rest of the game, leading to a much darker and more pessimistic ending. Here are some of the key effects of choosing the bad ending:

• The player is unable to save the city and its citizens

By making choices that lead to the bad ending, the player will fail to prevent the city from being destroyed by the evil forces that threaten it. This means that the citizens of the city will suffer the consequences of the destruction, including loss of life and property damage.

• The story ends on a negative note

In addition to the failure to save the city, the bad ending will also have a profound impact on the overall story. The ending will be bleak and depressing, with little hope for the future. This can leave the player feeling dissatisfied with the outcome of the game, as they will not have experienced the full potential of the story.

Overall, choosing the bad ending in Streets of Rage will result in a much darker and more pessimistic experience for the player. It is important to make careful choices throughout the game in order to ensure the best possible outcome for the story and its characters.

Impact on the Game’s Replay Value

Choosing the bad ending in Streets of Rage can have a significant impact on the game’s replay value. Players who experience the bad ending may be less motivated to replay the game, as the ending may leave them feeling dissatisfied or unfulfilled. This can be especially true for players who have invested a significant amount of time and effort into completing the game.

One of the main reasons why players may be less motivated to replay a game with a bad ending is that the ending may not provide a sense of closure or resolution. Without a satisfying conclusion, players may feel like their efforts were in vain, and this can be demotivating. Additionally, if the bad ending is particularly abrupt or unsatisfying, players may feel like they have wasted their time playing the game.

Another factor that can impact a game’s replay value is the availability of multiple endings. If a game has multiple endings, players may be more motivated to replay the game in order to experience different outcomes. However, if a game only has one ending, or if the bad ending is the only ending available, players may be less likely to replay the game.

In summary, choosing the bad ending in Streets of Rage can have a significant impact on the game’s replay value. Players who are dissatisfied with the ending may be less motivated to replay the game, which can ultimately impact their overall enjoyment of the game.

Factors Contributing to the Bad Ending

Poor Gameplay Performance

In the Streets of Rage game, players can experience a bad ending if they perform poorly throughout the game. Poor gameplay performance can manifest in several ways, such as low health, depleted ammunition, or lack of other essential resources. Additionally, frequent deaths or mistakes can contribute to the bad ending, making it more challenging to progress through the game.

• Low health, ammunition, or other resources: If the player does not manage their resources effectively, they may find themselves in a situation where they have depleted their health, ammunition, or other essential items. This can make it difficult to overcome challenges and progress through the game, ultimately leading to a bad ending.
• Frequent deaths or mistakes: In Streets of Rage, making mistakes or dying frequently can lead to a bad ending. This is because the game has a save system that allows players to save their progress at specific points. If a player dies or makes a mistake, they may need to restart from a previous save point, which can be frustrating and time-consuming.

Overall, poor gameplay performance can significantly impact the outcome of Streets of Rage. Players must be mindful of their resources, avoid frequent deaths or mistakes, and make strategic decisions to ensure they have a better chance of achieving a good ending.

Failure to Explore the Game World

• Missing important items or upgrades
  • One of the primary reasons for the bad ending in Streets of Rage is the failure to explore the game world thoroughly. This often results in missing out on important items or upgrades that are necessary to progress through the game. For instance, there are several hidden areas and secret rooms that contain valuable power-ups and weapons that can significantly enhance the player’s character. However, if the player fails to discover these areas, they will be severely limited in their ability to defeat the game’s bosses and progress through the story.
• Not understanding the game’s mechanics
  • Another factor that can contribute to the bad ending in Streets of Rage is a lack of understanding of the game’s mechanics. The game features a variety of different weapons, special moves, and combat techniques that can be used to defeat enemies and bosses. However, if the player fails to learn and master these mechanics, they will struggle to progress through the game and ultimately reach the bad ending. For example, if the player does not understand how to perform certain special moves or how to effectively use certain weapons, they may find themselves overwhelmed by the game’s tougher enemies and bosses.

In summary, failure to explore the game world and a lack of understanding of the game’s mechanics can both contribute to the bad ending in Streets of Rage. By thoroughly exploring the game world and mastering its mechanics, players can increase their chances of success and avoid the bad ending.

Failure to Manage Time and Resources

• Poor time management
  • Not prioritizing tasks effectively
  • Taking too long to complete objectives
• Wasting resources on unnecessary items or upgrades
  • Over-investing in non-essential items
  • Purchasing upgrades that do not provide significant benefits

In the game Streets of Rage, players must manage their time and resources carefully to achieve the best possible outcome. One of the main factors contributing to the bad ending is poor time management. This can manifest in several ways, such as not prioritizing tasks effectively or taking too long to complete objectives. For example, players may spend too much time exploring areas that are not relevant to the main story or engaging in side quests that do not advance the plot. As a result, they may miss important objectives or encounter enemies that are too powerful to defeat.

Another way that players can waste resources in Streets of Rage is by over-investing in non-essential items or purchasing upgrades that do not provide significant benefits. For example, players may spend valuable funds on weapons or abilities that they do not need or that are not effective against certain enemies. Alternatively, they may neglect to upgrade essential items, such as health or ammunition, and find themselves struggling to survive later in the game. By failing to manage their time and resources effectively, players can quickly find themselves in a difficult situation that may lead to the bad ending.

Tips for Avoiding the Bad Ending

Improving Gameplay Performance

Improving gameplay performance is essential for avoiding the bad ending in Streets of Rage. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:

Upgrading weapons and items

One of the key strategies for improving gameplay performance is to upgrade your weapons and items. As you progress through the game, you will come across various weapons and items that can be collected and used to enhance your character’s abilities. By upgrading these weapons and items, you will be better equipped to handle the challenges that lie ahead.

Some of the weapons and items that you can upgrade include your character’s health, ammunition, and combat abilities. For example, you can upgrade your character’s health to increase their resistance to damage, or upgrade their combat abilities to make them more effective in combat.

Learning the enemy patterns and attack strategies

Another important strategy for improving gameplay performance is to learn the enemy patterns and attack strategies. Each enemy in the game has its own unique pattern of behavior, and by learning these patterns, you can anticipate their attacks and counter them effectively.

For example, some enemies may have predictable attack patterns that you can exploit, while others may be more unpredictable and require more careful planning. By learning the enemy patterns and attack strategies, you can avoid taking unnecessary damage and increase your chances of success.

Additionally, learning the enemy patterns and attack strategies can also help you conserve ammunition and other resources. By understanding how to effectively engage enemies, you can reduce the amount of ammunition and other resources that you need to use, which can be particularly helpful in later levels of the game.

Overall, improving gameplay performance is crucial for avoiding the bad ending in Streets of Rage. By upgrading your weapons and items and learning the enemy patterns and attack strategies, you can increase your chances of success and avoid the game’s negative conclusion.

Exploring the Game World

To avoid the bad ending in Streets of Rage, players must explore the game world thoroughly. This includes searching for hidden items and upgrades, as well as understanding the game’s world and story.

• Hidden Items and Upgrades: The game world is filled with hidden items and upgrades that can significantly enhance the player’s character. These items can be found in secret areas, behind hidden walls, or by completing certain tasks. For example, the player can find extra health, ammunition, and other power-ups that can help them progress through the game.
• Understanding the Game’s World and Story: Streets of Rage has a rich and detailed world that is full of characters, factions, and plot twists. Players who take the time to understand the game’s story and world will be better equipped to make important decisions that can affect the outcome of the game. This includes understanding the motivations of the game’s characters, the history of the game’s world, and the relationships between different factions.

By exploring the game world and searching for hidden items and upgrades, players can gain an advantage over the game’s challenges and increase their chances of avoiding the bad ending. Additionally, understanding the game’s world and story can help players make informed decisions that can affect the outcome of the game and prevent them from falling into the trap of the bad ending.

Managing Time and Resources Effectively

When it comes to avoiding the bad ending in Streets of Rage, managing your time and resources effectively is crucial. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:

Prioritizing important tasks and quests

One of the key strategies for avoiding the bad ending in Streets of Rage is to prioritize important tasks and quests. This means identifying the objectives that are critical to the story’s progression and focusing your efforts on completing them first.

For example, in Streets of Rage, it’s essential to save the kidnapped civilians and defeat the evil Mr. X. By prioritizing these objectives, you can ensure that you stay on track and avoid unnecessary distractions that could lead to the bad ending.

Avoiding unnecessary risks or distractions

Another important aspect of managing your time and resources effectively in Streets of Rage is avoiding unnecessary risks or distractions. This means staying focused on your objectives and avoiding unnecessary detours or side quests that could distract you from your main goals.

For example, while it might be tempting to explore every nook and cranny of the game world, doing so could put you at risk of encountering dangerous enemies or wasting valuable resources. By staying focused on your objectives and avoiding unnecessary risks or distractions, you can ensure that you make the most of your time and resources and avoid the bad ending.

Making Strategic Decisions

Avoiding the bad ending in Streets of Rage requires making strategic decisions throughout the game. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

Choosing the right weapons and tactics

One of the most important strategic decisions you’ll make in Streets of Rage is choosing the right weapons and tactics. Here are some tips to help you make the best choices:

• Start with basic weapons, such as pistols and batons, and upgrade as needed.
• Use ranged weapons to take out enemies from a distance, and melee weapons for close-quarters combat.
• Choose weapons that complement your playstyle, whether that’s a fast and agile character or a slow and powerful one.

Planning ahead and anticipating challenges

Another key aspect of making strategic decisions in Streets of Rage is planning ahead and anticipating challenges. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

• Keep an eye on your health and ammo levels, and plan your route accordingly.
• Use the environment to your advantage, such as using buildings for cover or using obstacles to block enemy attacks.
• Take breaks to rest and regroup when necessary, and don’t be afraid to backtrack if you’re not prepared for an upcoming challenge.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to avoiding the bad ending in Streets of Rage and achieving the best possible outcome.

FAQs

1. What is the bad ending in Streets of Rage?

The bad ending in Streets of Rage occurs when the player completes the game without collecting all three hidden items known as the “Diamond Country” symbols. These symbols are located in secret areas throughout the game and are necessary to unlock the true final boss fight. If the player fails to collect all three symbols, the game will end with a non-canonical, unresolved storyline.

2. How can I avoid the bad ending in Streets of Rage?

To avoid the bad ending in Streets of Rage, the player must collect all three Diamond Country symbols hidden throughout the game. These symbols are well-hidden and require exploration and attention to detail to find. Completing the game with all three symbols will lead to the true final boss fight and a canonical, resolved storyline.

3. What happens in the bad ending of Streets of Rage?

In the bad ending of Streets of Rage, the player is not able to collect all three Diamond Country symbols and thus does not face the true final boss. Instead, the game ends with a non-canonical, unresolved storyline that does not provide closure to the player’s journey. This ending is often seen as disappointing to players who have invested time and effort into completing the game.

4. Is the bad ending the only way to complete Streets of Rage?

No, the bad ending is not the only way to complete Streets of Rage. To obtain the good ending, the player must collect all three Diamond Country symbols and defeat the true final boss. This requires exploration, attention to detail, and a willingness to take on challenges throughout the game.

Streets of Rage (Genesis) Blaze’s Bad Ending